If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

A nod to Ratliff Mandolins

I have always been a Gibson guy. So, when I decided to go spend the money, I bought an F9 and then later an F5G and finally a Montana made Flatiron. I loved them all. Selling that F9 was a life long regret. I have played others and they all have their place among the pantheon of greats, but paying $2,700 of an A style Collings always seemed to hurt my feelings a bit.
Then I came across a deal on a custom Ratliff Country Boy with a radius fingerboard and a semi gloss front with a satin back. It was the exact specifications for a custom mandolin I had discussed with Audie Ratliff himself about two weeks ago so I bit the bullet and bought it. It came in today and to say I was shocked is an understatement. This thing had never been played and yet is screamed like it had haunted the stage for decades. The craftsmanship was impeccable and the play-ability is like butter. It was simply the most amazing thing I had seen in a long time. How in the world can a one man shop put out this kind of Mando for under $2,000? This country boy is no frills but what is there is gorgeous and I can only imagine what the R-5 looks and feels like. I say all that to say this. My hats off to you Mr. Ratliff. You make the best Mando I have seen under $5,000.

The Following 5 Users Say Thank You to Pilot172000 For This Useful Post:

Re: A nod to Ratliff Mandolins

And right down the road Ken Ratcliff will make you an Econo A. There is not one thing that fancy wood, excepting a nice piece of wood for the top, or binding, or a scroll, adds to the tonal quality of a mandolin. The Collings MT, Pava satin, and all the other stripped down mandolins are all very good.

Ratliff and the like have developed their own efficient methods, live in low cost communities, and have no marketing and distribution costs. It has to be a business model that is conscious, perhaps evolutionary, that has allowed them to thrive. It has also removed a large segment of buyers who equate cost to quality.

The binding and inlay, then a fine finish, easily doubles construction time. Time is money. If you haven't followed Ratliff's custom build, you should. Never have I seen a more blinged out mandolin. So the man can do it all, but building Counrty Boys pays some bills for sure and I'm glad they are out there for a grand less than an MT. Allows more folks to play fine mandolins.

The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Br1ck For This Useful Post:

Re: A nod to Ratliff Mandolins

Ratliff was on my radar a few years back when I bought my first Gibson. He has some amazing youtube videos which finely detail his work. That coupled with a good sense of humor makes his videos must watch, especially if you like seeing what goes into one. I have found that I love the F-Style and tend to lean towards minimal binding and inlay. The natural rugged look like my 2002 F9 really is what I am into. Small builders like Ratliff and Silverangel are fantastic buys!

Re: A nod to Ratliff Mandolins

I am constantly impressed with my Ratliff R5! I've played many top tier mandolins, and Audey make one on par with them all. I went for the extra bells n whistles, as I plan to keep my mandolins till death, and the bling makes me smile
Give him your business, you will be glad you did.

The following members say thank you to MontanaMatt for this post:

Re: A nod to Ratliff Mandolins

Originally Posted by Pilot172000

I have always been a Gibson guy. So, when I decided to go spend the money, I bought an F9 and then later an F5G and finally a Montana made Flatiron. I loved them all. Selling that F9 was a life long regret. I have played others and they all have their place among the pantheon of greats, but paying $2,700 of an A style Collings always seemed to hurt my feelings a bit.
Then I came across a deal on a custom Ratliff Country Boy with a radius fingerboard and a semi gloss front with a satin back. It was the exact specifications for a custom mandolin I had discussed with Audie Ratliff himself about two weeks ago so I bit the bullet and bought it. It came in today and to say I was shocked is an understatement. This thing had never been played and yet is screamed like it had haunted the stage for decades. The craftsmanship was impeccable and the play-ability is like butter. It was simply the most amazing thing I had seen in a long time. How in the world can a one man shop put out this kind of Mando for under $2,000? This country boy is no frills but what is there is gorgeous and I can only imagine what the R-5 looks and feels like. I say all that to say this. My hats off to you Mr. Ratliff. You make the best Mando I have seen under $5,000.

I’m still kicking myself in the butt for not jumping on that one myself!! Thought I’d think it over and then it was gone! Luckily, made a deal locally on a Collings MT.

Mickey King

Last edited by Mickey King; Nov-06-2018 at 8:50am.
Reason: More content

The following members say thank you to Br1ck for this post:

Re: A nod to Ratliff Mandolins

I am blessed to currently have Audey building a country boy for myself. Cannot wait to give it some lovin'. I was drawn in by the stripped down motif, the fact that they are by an independent builder with a strong reputation, and I love the tone that I've heard from ratliffs.

Not to mention Audey has been nothing but kind and willing to discuss anything I have inquired about, which is nice. This will be my first custom built instrument and its a great feeling to admire the builder so much and feel that friendship. He even invited me to come pick a few if I was ever in TN. Would love to see a pic of your instrument, pilot.